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NTSB Report

January 18, 2001 · Bell 206L-1 · N80KA

Tyonek, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Tyonek, AK
Aircraft
Bell 206L-1
Tail Number
N80KA
Operator
Kenai Air Alaska
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC01LA030

The airline transport certificated helicopter pilot was transporting oil field personnel to an offshore oil producing platform. The pilot said that wind conditions, in conjunction with various platform mounted obstructions, required that he plan his approach to the left side of the helipad, then "side slip" to the right and over the helipad. He said that as he terminated his approach, and moved the helicopter to the right and over the helipad, the tail rotor struck a handrail that was adjacent to the helipad. The helicopter sustained substantial in-flight damage to the tail rotor blades, main rotor blades, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that wind conditions at the time of the accident were from the northeast at 25 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate tail rotor clearance while maneuvering to land.

Full Narrative

On January 18, 2001, about 1032 Alaska standard time, a pop-out float equipped Bell 206L-1 helicopter, N80KA, sustained substantial damage during landing on the Phillips Tyonek Platform, about 6 miles east of Tyonek, Alaska. The helicopter was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The helicopter was operated by Kenai Air Alaska, Inc., Kenai, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot, and the three passengers aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Kenai Airport, about 0954. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on January 18, the pilot reported the helicopter was landing on the elevated helipad of the offshore oil producing platform. He said that wind conditions, in conjunction with various platform mounted obstructions, required that he plan his approach to the left side of the helipad, then "side slip" to the right and over the helipad. He said that as he terminated his approach, and moved the helicopter to the right and over the helipad, the tail rotor struck a handrail that was adjacent to the helipad. The helicopter sustained substantial in-flight damage to the tail rotor blades, main rotor blades, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that wind conditions at the time of the accident were from the northeast at 25 knots. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:32 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206L-1
Tail NumberN80KA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKenai Air Alaska
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · 250-C28B · Turboshaft · 500
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data